New York Jets restructure their punt squad, release T.J. Conley and claim Robert Malone – NFL News
New York Jets have been very active claiming players who are released by other teams and they continued their run on Tuesday, September 04, 2012, as they claimed punter Robert Malone from San Diego Chargers after releasing punter T.J. Conley on the same
day.
Conley was pretty impressive throughout the offseason as he fought through two punters to get the top punter position.
He recently commented that he was not concerned about being shown the door. He had a good 2011 season with the Jets and was looking to have a breakout season this time.
Conley did not have a very pleasing preseason as he had some bad shows, especially against New York Giants.
Conley was ranked 26th in the league as a punter in this preseason. He had an average of 44 yards per punt. Jets were ranked 31st in the league for punting average during the preseason. Conley previously said:
"I know I'm capable of being a great punter in the NFL, and that's what I plan on doing."
Conley will be replaced by Malone, who was released by Chargers on Friday, August 31.
Malone was struggling to get chances with Chargers as he had a tough task of pushing away a punter like Mike Scifres.
Malone last played in the 2010 season for Tampa Bay Buccaneers who added him as an undrafted free agent. He played 12 games during that season.
Malone produced better statistics during this preseason. He managed five punts, averaging 49 yards per punt.
It is not yet certain how Jets will utilise their new addition in the team that now includes more than two punters.
Jets do not have a very good record as far as releasing their punters is concerned. Jets previously released quality punter Steve Weatherford in the 2010 season.
Weatherford then went on to join Giants where he played a vital role in the road to Super Bowl last season.
It will be vital for Jets to get better output from their punters at a time when the offence is struggling to shape itself into better form.
Tags: